Los Angeles center fielder Andy Pages has struggled throughout the postseason, but manager Dave Roberts continues to have faith in the 24-year-old.
Pages is batting .093 through 12 games this postseason, with just four hits in 43 at-bats. Despite this, he has started every game for the at center field.
“He’s been struggling this postseason,” Roberts said. “What I need from him is to have quality at-bats, get on base, win on 3-2 pitches. He plays very sound defense and that’s a big part of why he’s here.”
“… Being in the nine holes, I don’t expect him to carry the offense, but I still expect him to be a contributor. I’m thinking through other decisions. I’m watching it closely. But yeah, I mean, I still need to see some sort of improvement in the consistency of performance. So when we decide to change, and if we decide to change, I haven’t decided on that, but I’m paying attention.”
Pages improved in Game 2 of the World Series, scoring the ‘ second run with a hit in the seventh inning. He’s been much better the last few games, hitting in three of the past five games.
Manager Roberts also appears to be sticking with Pages, explaining why he likely won’t use other options like Tommy Edman in the outfield.
“You know, he’s off the table because of potential injuries, but I don’t really know. He hasn’t hit a fly ball in a month, so I don’t really know what kind of situation he’s in,” Roberts said of Edman.
He also sealed the possibility of Quique Hernandez moving from left field to center field for most of this postseason.
“Yeah, that’s kind of the idea that he’s never played. He’s probably played a few innings in center field all year, and Andy has a positive record as a center fielder,” Roberts said. “So when you’re in the middle of the diamond, defense is certainly important. But so is offense. So, for me, I think trying to weigh everything and sum it up, but as far as the consistency of the offense, it’s not just Andy’s responsibility. I just refuse to put that on nine batters.”
The expect Page to continue to be active at the plate for the remainder of the World Series. After a big win in Game 2, the return to LA with the series tied and a chance to take the series in their favor in front of their home crowd. Game 3 of the World Series will be played on Monday, October 27th at 5:00 PM PT.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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